Academic Spotlight: Jacob Powers, Associate Dean of Creative Writing Programs

After earning his Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative Writing from Grand Valley State University (GVSU), Jacob Powers went on to earn his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing from Boise State University. Powers now serves as associate dean for creative writing programs at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Inspired by his own university professors, Powers enjoys helping students grow in their writing skills and encourages exploration and confidence in their creative work.

Powers recently answered questions about his professional background, what attracted him to creative writing and his work at SNHU.

Can you tell us about your professional background?

I’ve held numerous teaching and writing tutor roles at GVSU, Boise State University, Tallahassee Community College and Smarthinking and did a little contract work for the Florida Department of Education back in the day. My time at SNHU started as an adjunct for the composition classes. I soon became a lead faculty member and eventually transitioned into the creative writing program. In 2019, I became an associate dean for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Arts (MA) Creative Writing programs.

My fiction has been published in Narrative and Out of Stock and I’ve written bar reviews for Grand Rapids Magazine. As a graduate student, I was the editor-in-chief for Cold-drill Magazine, a reader for The Idaho Review and between my undergraduate and graduate years, I was the contest coordinator/head reader for the Robert Olen Butler Prize Stories. I currently serve as the editor for SNHU’s literary magazine, Penmen Review and co-host a reading series with my colleague, Paul Witcover.

What first drew you to higher education?

The opportunity to help people grow in their creative writing skills. I’m very much into discovery and personal development and was inspired by my undergraduate professors who had a talent in finding student strengths and supporting them. Their support helped many types of writers build confidence and explore new ideas, which is something that I always want to encourage, and it’s great to be a part of a community that values knowledge, curiosity and student success.

What aspects of your own education have been influential in shaping your career in academia?

I’ve had a lot of experience supporting writers over the years. My time as a tutor introduced me to many types of writing from a variety of academic backgrounds, which exposed me to a wide range of writing styles, challenges and approaches. It taught me that there’s always something valuable to focus on and draw out and support. I also learned that effective tutoring and teaching means not doing the work for the student, but engaging them in a conversation about their writing, including strengths, areas where they may be struggling, and helping them develop and revise ideas through earnest dialogue. That experience strengthened my interest in helping students grow as writers.

What attracted you to this field of study? What keeps you excited about it?

I started reading for pleasure in high school after a friend recommended I read Kurt Vonnegut’s "Slaughterhouse Five." That sparked a deeper interest in literature and storytelling, which led me to pursue a degree in creative writing. While in college, I realized how much I valued participating in student workshops, and I quickly became invested in studying and teaching the craft. What continues to excite me about field is that there’s always a new book to explore, be it new or old, and I always want to learn more about how stories work.

How have you found ways to effectively connect with students?

In many of our creative writing courses, initial discussion board forums ask students to share their reading and writing interests. I find this a great opportunity to connect with them by sharing authors or books that may align with or even expand, their chosen genre. This helps establish a connection between instructor and student that carries throughout the term. And I always review student work based on their interests — I never try to push them towards a different style or genre.

What brings you the greatest joy in your work at SNHU?

Working with my colleagues in the liberal arts. I especially enjoy co-hosting "Word for Word" with Paul Witcover, associate dean of the online MFA, and serving as the editor to Penmen Review. These opportunities allow me to support a vibrant literary community at SNHU.

What do you feel is unique about the faculty and students you work with?

Everyone has a story to tell, but not every creative writing program encourages the full range of stories students want to write. There are many out there that emphasize literary fiction and any other genre is dismissed as not worth pursuing. Considering the vastness of the literary market, I find that a bit foolish. I’m proud that we offer a program here where students can explore what they want to explore and am thoroughly impressed by the amount of strong fantasy, sci-fi and romance writing I see in our programs.

What does SNHU’s mission to transform the lives of learners mean to you?

Creative writing isn’t just about writing stories. It’s about collaboration, communication and dedication. The skills students build in our programs, such as thoughtful feedback, revision and persistence, are skills that transfer easily to many different career paths and can be transformative in many ways.

Outside of work, what’s something you’re passionate about or really enjoy doing?

I’ve always enjoyed exploring film and music. Taking walks around the neighborhood. Exploring new food and drink. Spending meaningful time with my family. And reading, of course.

Alexa Gustavsen ’21 is a content marketing specialist and writer at Southern New Hampshire University. Based in New Hampshire, she completed her bachelor's in creative writing and English on campus at SNHU. Currently, she is pursuing her master's in marketing online at the university. Connect with her on LinkedIn.